Follow Us on:

Day Three in pictures: Pope Francis identifies with Africa’s poor; visits slum in Kenya

Pope Francis continued his apostolic journey today and it took him to one of Kenya’s slums, Kangemi, where about 20,000 persons belong to a Catholic parish located there.

According to him, those living in such communities are victims of “new forms of colonialism” by rich countries. He said that the urban poor have a “sacred right” to have their basic needs met. Kangemi is bordered by middle-class neighbourhoods.

“These are the wounds inflicted by minorities who cling to power and wealth, who selfishly squander while a growing majority is forced to flee to abandoned, filthy and rundown peripheries,” the pope said.

Pope Francis told the poor people of Kangemi that they have a special place in his life and decisions.

“I am here because I want you to know that your joys and hopes, your troubles and your sorrows, are not indifferent to me. I realize the difficulties which you experience daily! How can I not denounce the injustices which you suffer?”

Pope Francis waves as he arrives at the Kangemi slums in the outskirt of Kenya’s capital Nairobi, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Noor KhamisPope Francis waves as he arrives at the Kangemi slums on the outskirts of Kenya’s capital Nairobi, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicPope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives in the church at the Kangemi slums on the outskirt of Kenya’s capital Nairobi. November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

Pope Francis also met with the youth at Kasarani Stadium.

Pope Francis waves as he arrives at the Kasarani stadium in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Stefano RellandiniPope Francis (C) holds hands during a meeting with the Kenyan youth at the Kasarani stadium in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Osservatore Romano/Handout via ReutersPope Francis (R) receives gifts during a meeting with the Kenyan youth at the Kasarani stadium in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Osservatore Romano/Handout via Reuters

He also visited the Kaugemi district.

Pope Francis (L) speaks as he visits the Kaugemi district in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Osservatore Romano/Handout via ReutersPope Francis is escorted by his host President Uhuru Kenyatta as he departs from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after a three day state visit Kenya’s capital Nairobi November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Noor Khamis

At about 4 P.M., Pope Francis left Kenya for Uganda.

Pope Francis waves as he departs from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after a three day state visit Kenya’s capital Nairobi November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Noor KhamisPope Francis disembarks from the plane as he arrives at the Entebbe international airport near the capital Uganda, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/James AkenaPope Francis’ (C) arrives with Uganda president Yoweri Museven (R) and his wife Janet at the State House, in Kampala, Uganda, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Stefano RellandiniPope Francis gestures next to a member of clergy in Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

The Nerve Africa is an Africa focused growth information and digital news service that produces multi-perspective, simplified, engaging and high quality reportage on the new economy for smart African professionals and a global community interested in Africa.